Women's main round spots almost confirmed; decisive men's matches ahead

Day 2 of the European Beach Handball Championships saw another 30 matches being played on the sandy courts of Lloret de Mar, and the first decisions have been made, as there are only six matches each in the men's and women's preliminary round left to play.

In the women's event's Group A the four participants of the main round are already known: Hungary, Italy and Russia are all on eight points; Poland are on six, and these four have definitely secured one of the top four places in the group.

Subsequently, this means that Switzerland, Serbia and Germany will go into the placement round for ranks 9 to 14.

The situation is not that clear at all in Group B.

Netherlands on Wednesday became the last team to secure their main round berth with a 2:1 win againt Spain.

And while the Spanish hosts are arguably the favourites against Sweden on Thursday, the decisive match will be Ukraine against Croatia, as a win would see Croatia, who are currently on four points, move past Ukraine, who currently have six points (current women's standings in Group A and B)

Decision time in the men's event

Decisive matches also beckon in Wednesday's remaining men's matches.

In Group A Germany kept their main round hopes alive with 2:0 win against Sweden. With defending champions Croatia, Spain and Ukraine already qualified, it will come down to this match at 12:00 CET on Court 3 to decide which will be the fourth team to qualify.

Things are even tighter in Group B. Switzerland are on two points, Norway as well and Italy are still on zero. However, with Switzerland meeting third ranked Hungary (four points) and Norway facing Italy nothing is decided yet who will eventually place fourth.

What's certain is that defending champions Croatia and hosts Spain will battle it out for first place at 12:00 CET. Both teams are currently on eight points (current men's standings in Group A and B).

The preliminary round at Lloret 2015 concludes on Thursday. The main round will be played on Friday, quarter-finals and the semis on Saturday and all finals and final placement matches on Sunday.